We are calling for Aberystwyth University to follow in the footsteps of other top UK universities, such as Exeter, Edinburgh, Warwick and Cardiff, and implement a 'no-detriment' policy for end of year exams and assessments.

The penultimate and final semesters of our university education have been severely impacted by the measures put in place due to COVID-19. While of course Aberystwyth University must comply with these measures in the interest of public health, this does not mean that students, particularly 3rd Years, should suffer such disadvantages without any attempt to mitigate damage done to their grades as a result of losses of key facilities.

This petition is asking Aberystwyth University to take into account these unforeseen and extraordinary conditions, with the introduction of a 'no-detriment' policy for final year students. Many students are already struggling with the changes to their study environment and as a result will not be able to demonstrate their full potential and achieve the grades they deserve. Undoubtedly many will also be negatively impacted by mental or physical illness during this difficult time.

This policy would mean students still have to participate in end of year assessments (whatever form these are in) but without the fear their overall grades will be brought down as a result of the unprecedented measures in place. As long as students obtain the pass mark of 40 in further assessments, their average will remain the same as, or higher than, the average they have already attained. If students achieve higher than their current average in further assessments, then they can still raise their final mark.

A policy of 'no-detriment' would relieve much of the pressure that students are already feeling in such a trialing time and thus should be put in place by Aberystwyth University.

Here are the articles explaining this policy in more detail from Exeter University and Edinburgh University:

https://thetab.com/uk/exeter/2020/03/25/exeter-uni-implements-no-detriment-policy-for-summer-assessments-47331​

https://thetab.com/uk/edinburgh/2020/03/26/breaking-no-remaining-exams-assessments-can-negatively-impact-your-course-grades-for-this-semester-65113

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